Carcinomas in Pets
Carcinomas are a group of malignant tumors that arise from epithelial cells—those that line the body’s organs, glands, and surfaces. These cancers can affect the skin, mouth, bladder, lungs, mammary glands, and more. Some carcinomas are aggressive and prone to spreading, making early detection and specialized care essential.
At Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital (CTVSEH), our board-certified oncology and surgery teams work together to provide accurate diagnoses and individualized treatment plans to give your pet the best possible outcome.
What Are Carcinomas?
Carcinomas develop in tissues that cover internal organs and structures. They can appear in various forms and locations:
Common Types of Carcinomas in Pets:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often found in the skin, oral cavity, or nasal passages
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC): Affects the bladder and urinary tract
- Adenocarcinoma: Arises in glandular tissue such as anal sacs, intestines, lungs, or mammary glands
- Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Originates in the lungs
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Occurs in the liver
Carcinomas can be locally invasive and may spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes, lungs, or other organs.
Signs and Symptoms
The clinical signs of carcinomas vary depending on the location and extent of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
- A lump or mass on the skin or under the skin
- Bleeding or discharge from a body opening
- Difficulty urinating or blood in urine (TCC)
- Coughing, labored breathing (lung carcinoma)
- Weight loss or decreased appetite
- Bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating (oral SCC)
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your pet evaluated as soon as possible.
Diagnosis at CTVSEH
Accurate diagnosis and staging are critical to determining the best course of treatment. At CTVSEH, we use advanced tools to evaluate carcinomas:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy for cellular analysis
- Histopathology to determine the tumor type and grade
- Bloodwork and urinalysis to assess overall health
- Radiographs (X-rays) to detect spread to the chest or bones
- Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan for deeper imaging
- Lymph node evaluation to assess potential metastasis
Our team will walk you through each step to ensure you understand your pet’s condition and options.
Treatment Options
The treatment plan for carcinoma depends on tumor type, location, and stage. Our multidisciplinary team creates customized plans for each patient.
Surgical Removal
Surgery is often the first step for localized carcinomas. Our skilled veterinary surgeons aim to remove the tumor with wide, clean margins when possible.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used for tumors that are inoperable, high-grade, or have spread to other organs. We carefully select protocols that maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is used for tumors that are not surgically accessible or to complement surgery for incomplete excision.
Palliative Care
When a cure isn’t possible, we provide supportive care to manage pain and symptoms, enhancing quality of life.
Why Choose CTVSEH?
At Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we understand how emotional and overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be. That’s why we bring together the expertise of board-certified oncologists, surgeons, internal medicine specialists, and 24/7 emergency staff to offer seamless, comprehensive care.
Our Advantages:
- Expert team of oncology and surgery specialists
- In-house advanced imaging (ultrasound, CT, digital radiography)
- Chemotherapy and surgical treatment under one roof
- 24/7 emergency and intensive care services
- Compassionate care tailored to your pet’s needs
Contact Us Today
If your pet has been diagnosed with a carcinoma or is showing concerning symptoms, we’re here to help.
📍 Visit us at: www.ctvseh.com
📞 Call: (512) 892-9038
